Friday, July 31, 2009

You Reap What You Sow

Wild Woman, Cindy, emailed this story to me and asked that I share it with the Wild Women. It is a beautiful story! Thank you, Cindy! Enjoy...

You Reap What You Sow

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.

His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president.. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader.

Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.

"Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything.."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked."What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place"

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh..."

The woman smiled again.. "I thought that might make a difference."

She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.

"Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of G*d, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.

"When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office."

She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To G*d goes the glory. He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee."

Have a Wonderful Day. May G*d Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. G*d is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

When G*d leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

The power of one sentence! G*d is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

G*d closes doors no man can open & G*d opens doors no man can close..

Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday on Wednesday -- 7 of Pentacles (reversed)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. On Wednesday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

When I read through the comments from yesterday's Intuitive Tuesday, it seemed they all had a similar theme, which was not trusting your intuition.

Yesterday's card was The High Priestess. Here are Lollipop Goldstein's comments from yesterday:
Mmmm, the thing is sometimes I feel like I need to wait years to see my intuition realized. Which is fine; I can be patient :-) It just sometimes helps me to remember that I've sometimes needed to wait a long time to see that I could trust my initial thoughts.
The additional card I pulled for Lollipop Goldstein is the Seven of Pentacles (reversed). This is a card of giving up too soon and possibly not reaching your potential.

Is there something you've been working on where you find you are losing steam? It feels as though this is a long-term project in which you have invested a lot of time and energy. You may feel somehow disillusioned with how it would go or how quickly you would see the results of your hard work. It feels as though it is manifesting too slowly for your taste and your expectations.

Even when you get tired and feel like giving up (which is indicated by the 7 of Pentacles reversed), there is something deeper in you that pushes you forward. Remember that this project is your gift to others. When you see it in this light, does it help to ease the struggle?

As Cindy B. pointed out, "Sometimes...people wait for an actual 'message' as in words or thoughts to tell them what their intuition is saying. Pay attention as well to the subtle nuances of your body." If you have doubts about your path, The High Priestess reminds you to tune in. You are receiving messages all of the time. The Seven of Pentacles (reversed) urges you to stay on course. Do what you need to do to nourish yourself and rest...and then move on.

If you feel unsure about what's next or how much longer you can go on, tune in and again hear the voice inside (YOUR voice as Lavender Luz pointed out) to know that you are on the right path. Perhaps you just need some rest and possibly a reminder to stay on course. If so, this is your reminder. You are on course; pace yourself and move forward. All is well!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday -- The High Priestess

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Wednesday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Wednesday (tomorrow) to see what cards come up.

Isn't The High Priestess a beautiful card? When I selected it today, I smiled because I love the messages of this image. The High Priestess is the second of the Major Arcana cards. It indicates tuning in to your inner voice and tapping in to your intuition.

It goes beyond that, however, and encourages you to TRUST the intuitive messages you are receiving. Many times people come to me and say, "I have a feeling about this (fill in the blank), but I want you to confirm it because I am not sure."

One great saying I heard and believe is, "Our intuition is always ON, it's our interpretation of our intuition that may be OFF."

When you see this card, tap into your intuition and name exactly what is there for you. What do you see, hear, know, and feel? How does this apply to you and what's happening in your life?

I have a simple exercise called, The Ring of Truth, to help people understand how to interpret the signals their intuitive voice provides. If you'd like a copy, please email me and I'll send it to you. It's very simple and quite powerful.

As for the message today, is there something that is going on beneath your consciousness that is nagging at you? Have you felt like you needed to do or say something, but haven't?

The High Priestess appears when you need to pay attention to and trust your inner voice. Something is trying to get your attention and my guess is that if you pause for just a moment, you already know what it is. Trust your feelings. Only you know what's best for you! If you ask other people's opinion, let their words bounce off of you and see what is true for you. If you tune in, you will know.
.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Perfect Moment Monday -- Dancing Flowers

My Perfect Moment today is about the beautiful flowers that line our front yard, welcoming people to our home. In particular, we have some Crimson Butterflies (pictured) that wave in the breeze as though they are dancing to the rhythm of nature.

Anyone who drives up can see how much love has gone into creating our landscaping, but there is also a great story behind it.

My DH took a class two years ago at a local nursery to create a landscaping plan for our home. About six months later, he had some (weed Elm) trees torn out because they were soaking up all of the water, killing our grass.

Next, he had the lawn torn up and the ground leveled. It was quite bare for a while and he kept saying, "Have patience, my dear...it's all part of my plan," and so I did.

This year we (mostly he) have invested time, energy and money to bring his plan to life. It is beautiful! He's added a water feature, three trees and many plants...not to mention that he re-used the cement chunks from our demolished driveway to create planters around the yard. What a great re-use of materials.

As I sat here today looking at the peaceful beauty that surrounds me in my own front yard, I realized that I was in the midst of a Perfect Moment...and I wanted to share it with you.

Friday, July 24, 2009

My MasterMind Group

One of my good friends invited me to create a MasterMind group with her a couple of months ago. "What is a MasterMind Group?" you may be asking yourself. It is based on the work of Napoleon Hill who wrote the book, Think and Grow Rich.

My MasterMind group is made up of three wonderful women who are striving to co-create their lives and live with purpose.

One of the first tasks for me has been to clarify my Definite Purpose in life and my Definite Chief Aim in life. This is a very powerful and ever-evolving exercise. I read it every day and focus on what I want to manifest.

When was the last time you defined and focused on your life purpose?

In reading, Think and Grow Rich, and working with the MasterMind Principles, I feel as though Napoleon Hill was in alignment with the Law of Attraction. That is, the more specific you are with who you are, what your purpose is and what you want to bring about in your life, the more likely it is to manifest or show up.

I have been witness to this in many areas of my life including my career, my husband/life partner, my family, and in all areas of my life. It is such a powerful feeling to know that I am bringing this forth in my life.

One philosophy that my MasterMind Group is contemplating right now is how to balance focusing on what you want to manifest and having the faith to allow what will be. I'll let you know more about that delicate balance as we proceed forward.

I encourage you to read Hill's book and study his concepts. Several other authors have come at this from different perspectives including:
Who's Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships That Create Success--and Won't Let You Fail, by Keith Ferrazi. I listened to a telephone conference featuring this recently released book and it sounds very similar. You select a couple of "life line" friends to support you and watch your back.

Ask and It Is Giving: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I've read this book several times and done some of the exercises which helped me to realize how powerful we are and how to manifest things in our lives.
I've included some information my friend sent me on MasterMind Groups (which were reprinted from Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill) if you are interested in learning more:
The MasterMind principles encourage you to connect with others in the MasterMind Process, which may be, "likened to the act of one who connects many batteries to a single transmission wire, thereby 'stepping up' the power flowing over that line. Each mind, through the principle of mind chemistry, stimulates all the other minds in the group, until the mind energy becomes so great that it penetrates to, and connects with, the universal energy, which in turn, touches every atom of the entire universe." Wow!

A MasterMind Manifesting group is a unique group of people utilizing the MasterMind principles for achieving business and personal goals.

MasterMind Principles include:

We live in an awesome, wondrous, orderly universe; the laws of which are carried out with exquisite precision. The MasterMind is the Power Source that created and directs this incredible universe.

Every person is a personalized expression of the MasterMind, and therefore has the innate ability to tap into its power, genius and wisdom.

The MasterMind steps are a scientific method of focusing the power of thought for the specific purpose of establishing a direct connection with the MasterMind. As a result, thousands of people have demonstrated dramatic, positive changes in their lives, and have experienced happy, successful lives.

Through the MasterMind process, you combine your own strength with that of at least one other person, as well as that of the MasterMind. This principle is based on the premise that the combined energies of two or more like-minded individuals are many more times greater than the sum of the individual energies involved.

Happiness is found in lending, doing, helping other members in your group achieve their goals, not merely possessing the information about goal achieving. The "WIN-WIN" attitude is key to a successful Master Mind group: If I help you win, I win, too.

The MasterMind principles also teach that other like-minded individuals can believe for you, and accept as true for you, things you may find difficult to conceive or believe for yourself.
If you are interested in gaining more information about MasterMind groups, check out Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich or send me an email and I'll send you some Word documents to help you begin your study. Again...it is an amazing process!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday on Wednesday -- The Empress

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. On Wednesday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

Yesterday's card was the Moon. Here are Phoebe's comments from yesterday:
Thanks for reminding me that it's the new moon! I was born on the new moon, so it's when I'm supposed to be most fertile. I hope that what is emerging for me is my spirit baby, as she seems to be having a hard time manifesting in this world. I'm also hoping my fertility is re-emerging like it was 19 years ago. I remember my first "baby" doctor saying to me that I should have had kids when I was 22. Then he said, "what were you doing then?" I said, "I was in West Africa!" That's where I was 19 years ago, too.

MentorTAZ's comment explains why my Cancer hubby wanted to be close to me last night. Too bad I'm a clueless Leo!!
The additional card I pulled for Phoebe is The Empress, which is one of the most powerful female energy cards in the deck. The Empress is the great earth mother and represents healing, nourishment, fertility and abundance. It has to do with feminine sexuality, pregnancy and maternal instincts.

The Empress might have to do with motherly figure in your life. This may be your own mother or someone who has stepped into that role. This person would be a very strong influence in your life -- very loving and supportive. You also look to this women for approval and support.

Phoebe, you commented on fertility, and it feels like this is a big issue for you right now. The Empress card directly speaks to the issue of fertility (as you can see the hint of pregnancy from the picture on the card).

The Empress asks you to look at fertility from a physical point of view -- the creation of a baby, and from an energetic point of view -- the creation of ideas (bringing something to fruition) and the full understanding of the concepts and life lessons you are learning.

You also mentioned about your husband wanting to be close to you. With The Empress energy, you are almost irresistible to him and to other males around you. Your full femaleness calls to them -- even without you being aware of it.

The Empress is a strong, passionate, graceful and powerful woman. Step into the fullness of this beautiful power and feel your energy glow. Abundance is there for you.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday -- The Moon

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Wednesday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Wednesday (tomorrow) to see what cards come up.


I used the Mystic Faerie Tarot by Barbara Moore today. I love the pictures on this deck. The Moon seems appropriate today since it is a Solar Eclipse and a second new Moon in Cancer.

As one of my good friends, Laura, said, we are in the midst of an "Eclipse Sandwich." The first one was on July 7th, the second one is today (July 21st) and the third one will happen on August 6th. Wow!

In her email to me about the Eclipse, she included these questions from Maya Del Mars Daykeeper Journal: "What were you doing 19 years ago? Did you resolve something or just repress it? You may not have known at the time, but you are finding out now. Is it back to bite you in the behind or will you transcend to a new level of awareness? Either way, change is afoot, and we have the wonderful chance to break out of the frozen habits of the past."

Back to Intuitive Tuesday...You may remember, I selected The Moon card a couple of months ago for Intuitive Tuesday. Check it out to see what messages are here for you today. Remember, The Moon reminds you that something lies beneath the surface that is ready to emerge. What is it? How can you invite it to come into your world? Are you ready?


I've selected another card from the Messages of Life deck by Mario Duguay called, Crossing into the Light which says:
Each stage of my life is a new bridge to cross on my journey to inner transformation. If I face a situation with anger and resistance, I will remain in place. It is only through dealing with each situation positively that I will grow and evolve. When I work with my inner Light and practice the laws of universal love every day, I discover the true meaning of life.
These two cards together, especially today in light of the eclipse, are so powerful. What is the next step on your journey to inner transformation and how can your awareness of The Moon and all of her hidden depths, help you to bring it forth in your life?

Monday, July 20, 2009

Perfect Moment Monday -- Anniversaries

My Dear Hubby (DH) and I are celebrating our 4th to 5th anniversaries this month -- and this is the beautiful bouquet he gave me on our first of two anniversaries. Let me explain...

DH and I got married in 2004 when he was home on a 2-week leave during his year of being deployed to Iraq. We took the kids up to his property in the Colorado mountains and did a small, personal ceremony with just our family of five and two close family friends (to take photos, witness, and help us to celebrate).

His tour ended the following February 2005 and we spent that spring and early summer planning our wedding, which was in gorgeous Breckenridge, Colorado. We weren't able to do the wedding on our exact anniversary date, and ended up doing it two weeks later...which means that each year we have a two week anniversary celebration window.

We invited our family and friends (over 100 people) to the wedding, had a family friend/minister perform the ceremony outside and renewed our vows. The service was extra special because our sons (who DH has now adopted) were part of the ceremony and the minister did a touching kids' sermon which spoke to each of us.

We danced, ate and partied the night away...and woke up the next morning to the beautiful Colorado mountains.

And so, we have two anniversaries: one in early July (our 5th) which marks the day we officially got married, and one a year and a couple of weeks later (our 4th) where we renewed our vows.

The great thing is that people (including DH and I) can say, "Happy Anniversary" any time on or between those two dates and still be on time...AND, we get two weeks to celebrate.

Thanks to my DH for being such a wonderful husband and father. Happy 4th and 5th Anniversary!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Just What Makes That Little Ol' Ant...

Today I pulled the Ant card from the Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals deck, by Jamie Sams & David Carson, Illustrations by Angela Werneke and published by St. Martin's Press.

When I see an ant crawling across the ground, it is usually carrying something that is five times bigger than he is. I'm amazed at how hard these creatures work.

But is it really about working hard? My yoga instructor said instead of working hard, why not work easy...that is, apply diligence and effort AND let it flow with ease at the same time. Sounds like an irony to me...and yet, somewhere in my heart, I know it is possible. It's like the saying, "Do what you can and let G*d do the rest."

In the Medicine Cards book it says if Ant has meandered into your life today,
"...it is time to show a little trust and patience in some life situation. You may have forgotten that you will always receive that which you need, at the time you need it most."
I am doing just that as I contemplate a couple of new directions in my work. My question revolves around how best to use the writing I've accumulated through almost two years of creating a weekly coaching column which is published in two Colorado newspapers (Grand Junction Free Press and the Vail Daily if you'd like to check them out). Should I syndicate, write a book, create a journal, etc?

What would the ant do to work easy and apply effort, yet be patient and allow flow. I will meditate and pull a couple of tarot cards for answers...and then, like the ant, I will apply effort, work easy...and wait with patience.

Look at the place in your life right now where you have been looking for direction. How can you use the message from the ant to know that you want change and have the patience of an ant to know that the answers will appear, just when you need them most. Ant encourages you to work easy and walk forward with faith.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday on Wednesday

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. Yesterday's card was the Page of Swords . On Wednesday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

The additional card I pulled for Kim is the Queen of Wands. Here is her comment from yesterday:
Thank you Sheri! This is an interesting card for me today. I visited my Naturopath today - looking for help with inner motivation/drive patterns - and at one point I thought "perhaps I just need someone to tell be to grow up"!

What I am taking from this card is that while I'm in touch with a part of me that see's all as possible (perhaps putting too much pressure on myself) - I am also in touch with a part of me that is perhaps less mature - or immature and perhaps I best connect with it more intimately to receive and accepts it's full gift for me...... ummm
The Queen of Wands indicates that you have the strength and the resources to get things going. Remember, Wands symbolize energy and action -- which would have a lot to do with your inner motivation and drive patterns.

Where do you find passion? When do you get into "flow," the period when you are so into what you are doing that you lose track of time and your energy just flows through whatever you are doing.

Some people refer to this as inspiration. Inspiration comes from the inside. Motivation comes from the outside. Where in your life are you inspired? Where are you ambitious? Where do you look like the expert without a lot of effort?

When you find this space of inspiration, you will not lack motivation. Your inspiration and energy will carry you forward no matter what! When you listen to these internal cues, you will find success and happiness...because you are doing what you love and what is in line with your purpose.

The Queen of Wands may also signify being involved in many projects. If this is the case, narrow down how many you put effort into. The more you focus, the more effective you will be.

Without thinking about your answer (no logic -- simply go with your intuition), which project are you most inspired about? This is your answer...no buts or excuses. Know that you are called to move this area forward in your life; give in to this and move forward. Ride the wave of inspiration and see where it takes you. It's an exciting adventure!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday -- Page of Swords

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Wednesday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Wednesday (tomorrow) to see what cards come up.


Today's card is the Page of Swords. As with all court cards (pages, knights, queens and kings), the card can symbolize either a person or a situation.

If this symbolizes a person, a page is normally a child or someone who is more immature. Swords indicates a mental or intellectual aspect. This could be one of your children or a child you spend time with. He or she may be precocious, clever, bright and energetic. He or she can be concerned with things being "fair."

If there is a person like this in your life, be open to spending time with him or her, teaching to and/or learning from him or her. There is a great gift and a lesson here for you. Is it one of your kids? A younger sibling, relative or a friend? Once you have a sense for who this card is about, tune in...what's there for you?

Pages can also mean communications (letters, calls, emails, etc.). The Page of Swords may indicate some kind of legal notice, something informative or analytical. Remember, this message would come from a space of intellect (as opposed to feelings or actions).

If you've been waiting for news to come in, the Page of Swords may indicate that it may not come back as you have planned, but remember, it is all in order. By pulling this card and realizing this one small truth, you will be better able to position the situation as a slice of what's happening right now. Just like a book...keep reading to find out what happens next.

The Page of Swords invites you to open your mind and observe your thoughts about how you see your world. This is a time for you to observe, learn, experience and process your world.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Perfect Moment Monday -- Just Like Grandpa!

My parents were in town visiting over the weekend. Grandpa decided to take the boys out to shop for a couple of things at one of the dollar stores.

I thought, "What a great way for Grandpa to spend time with the boys." My dad has made comments that he doesn't know how to have conversations with the boys. At this age, most of their answers have one to two words, so you really have to keep digging to get any information out.

But Grandpa did something unique (and successful) this time. He did something WITH them and they all had a great time.

I was sitting in my office working when my phone rang. "Come outside mom." And so I did. As they pulled up, they all got out of the car wearing their matching outfits that they had collectively put together -- complete with a hat, glasses, bow tie...and tighty whiteys! YIKES!

It was SO funny...and so very cute. But the best part about it was that Grandpa had found a way to relate to the boys and created a wonderful memory and a funny picture at the same time.

It was perfect!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Book Review -- Illusions by Richard Bach

Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, is an oldie (first published in 1977), but a goody. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. It is an easy read and has some profound messages woven in a simple story line.

Written by Richard Bach, the author of the book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, this is a story of a pilot named Richard, who flies from field to field in his Fleet airplane selling rides for $3. As the story begins, another pilot, Donald Shimoda, lands in the same field as Richard -- a rare, but welcome visitor.

As they work together to sell airplane rides to the locals, it is suddenly apparent that Donald is unique. His plane is spotless -- no dirt, no oil, no straw from the corn fields or bugs on the propellers.

Richard begins to have dreams about who Donald Shimoda is...a Messiah, complete with a spotless plane, disappearing in front of thousands of people, floating objects and miracles.

When Richard asks him how he knows so much "Messiah" stuff, Donald gives him a book called, "Messiah's Handbook, Reminders for the Advanced Soul," a book with no page numbers. You simply open it up and whatever you need the most is right there in front of you.

It's not a magic book, Shimoda explains. "You can do it with any book. You can do it with an old newspaper, if you read carefully enough." This is the exact phenomenon I've found in reading tarot cards. It's fascinating what appears when you ask and are ready to hear your answers.

Throughout the book, there are quotes from the Messiah's Handbook. Here are a couple of my favorites:
"You teach best what you most need to learn." (p. 48)

"You're always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past." (p. 51)

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however." (p. 93)
My favorite part was halfway through the book when Richard asks Donald (the Messiah), "...why are we here in the first place?" Shimoda answers by taking Richard into a movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Watching the movie was Donald's answer to Richard's question about why we are here. It's all ILLUSIONS (hence the name of the book). The movie is a set of illusions...and so is life.

The book is built around a very basic story and plot, and Bach uses this simplicity to teach some very deep lessons...if and when you are ready to learn them.

Illusions is a quick read and well worth it. I've included a link below in case you'd like to read it. Enjoy!
.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday on Wednesday - The Death Card

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. Yesterday's card was the Six of Swords. On Wednesday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

The additional card I pulled for Jessica D-F is the Death card. Here is her comment from yesterday:
Jessica D-F: Yes! The last few weeks have felt like rowing against the current--not real productive and exhausting to boot! Love those smooth waters for the two upcoming trips this month.
The Death Card: Many people can freak out when they see the Death card, but I see it as a great opportunity because it symbolizes a major transformation.

It feels as though you have been going through a transition of sorts. If you were to focus on your energy only a year ago, it would feel so much different than it does today.

As you have gone through tough times, good times, and periods of growth, you have been changing from the inside out. What your world used to look like now feels small. As you change, your world changes. Everything looks different, even though your world is made up of some of the same components.

Today's view feels so much larger and there's a certain excitement for what it will look like in another year or two or five or ten. If you continue to grow and change at the rate you have been, just think of the changes you will witness and experience!

Enjoy the rest of your summer and be cognizant of the changes that are happening to you all of the time. This is YOUR journey...have fun and know that you are constantly in the process of transforming into the new you!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Intuitive Tuesday -- Six of Swords

Every Tuesday I select one tarot card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Wednesday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Wednesday (tomorrow) to see what cards come up.


Six of Swords – Sixes in the tarot deck symbolize harmony being restored after the disruption of the five. Swords indicate an intellectual or mental approach and can also mean conflict.

The Six of Swords symbolizes that things are improving and you are leaving your troubles behind, entering a more tranquil space, moving away from stress and releasing tension. Doesn't that sound good?

If you've been struggling with something the past few weeks or months, the Six of Swords indicates a reprieve of sorts. Things will look better and feel better. This is a time of transition for you as you move from one situation on to another.

The Six of Swords can also indicate a vacation or a trip, which is perfect for summer time activities.

Enjoy the meanings of the Six of Swords. Take a minute to realize where you've been (and possibly what's been difficult about that situation), and look forward to where you are going. This card says that if the waters have been rough, you are in for a much smoother ride.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Perfect Moment Monday -- Take Time to Water the Plants


Have you ever wondered how important it is to water your plants? How does this relate to people?

Each week on Sunday, I water my plants. If I forget, there is one plant that very clearly tells/shows me that I've forgotten to water it. Just looking at it, I can see that it needs water. Its leaves and flowers are drooping and lifeless.

I took a photo of the flower just before I watered it and another photo just two hours later. What a difference!

It's the same with people, isn't it? When I give a genuine compliment to one of the people in my life or champion one of my clients, I can see them visibly change. They sit up straighter; their eyes light up and there energy feels lighter...kind of like my plant.

It's SO important to notice people and acknowledge them for who they are. We all need to hear it, don't we?

Challenge: Go out today and validate at least three different people in your life...then notice how you feel too. It's wonderful...and contagious!

For an entertaining look at how powerful validation can be, check out this YouTube video called Validation:

It really drives this point home.

Friday, July 3, 2009

The Last Nine Words to Live By

The image on the right says, "Believe -- When you speak from your heart, and say the words your soul has only dared to whisper, that's when miracles happen."

The past three Fridays I have given you the first thirty-six "Words to Live By." These were written by Regina Brett, who was 90 years old at the time. They were published in The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, OH. Today I share with you the next nine on the list. I'll include the last nine next Friday. Hopefully spacing them out has given you time to absorb these words of wisdom.

If you'd like to see the first nine, click here. If you'd like to see the second nine, click here. If you'd like to see the third nine, click here. If you'd like to see last week's nine, click here.

Here are the last nine:
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

The one that hits home for me is Number #37 (Your children only get one childhood). There are times when I sit and watch my kids playing, enjoying their friends and just being the ages that they are. I've said to my husband, "You know...we are in the process of creating the memories these kids will remember their entire lives."

I'm amazed at the process of life and raising kids. It's absolutely priceless...and beautiful!